Move-In Day and Family Orientation

Please save August 29-30, 2024 for Family Orientation activities.

Move-In Day

Thursday, August 29 is move-in and orientation welcome!

With questions about New Student Orientation, what to bring, and move in, please contact the Dean of Students Office at 413.559.6392 or deanofstudents@hampshire.edu.

Family Orientation

After helping your student with move-in, eating dinner together, and saying goodbye on Thursday, August 29, Alumni & Family Relations invites you to join us for drinks and dessert at our charming and rustic Red Barn. President Ed Wingenbach, the senior leadership team, and key faculty and staff will join us for the festivities. 

We’ll reconvene for talks, tours, and open houses throughout the morning on Friday, August 30, wrapping up midday. 

Please direct questions about Family Orientation to the Alumni and Family Relations Office at family@hampshire.edu or 413.559.6638. Be sure to include your student’s name in your message.

Schedule of Events

Please note that events are subject to change.

Wednesday, August 21 

How to Hampshire: Family Edition

8-9 p.m. ET 

Virtual on Zoom

Staff experts will provide information about crucial resources outside the classroom: residence life and housing, dining, community care and wellbeing, student success and engagement, identity centers, and more. From ID cards to keys to meals, we can help you prepare for your student’s arrival on campus and then how to support them from afar!

Join the Zoom

Monday, August 26 

Academics: What to Expect in the First Semester

8-9 p.m. ET

Virtual on Zoom

Gary Hawkins, vice president for academic affairs will kick off the conversation before key staff walk you through a student’s first semester at Hampshire, from registering for courses to getting academic support and understanding the role of the Learning Collaboratives.

Join the Zoom

Thursday, August 29

Orientation Registration and Check-In

1-4:30 p.m.

Under the Chuck and Polly Longsworth Solar Canopy

While your student checks in for orientation and connects with various offices, check in with Alumni & Family Relations staff to get your name tag, program, map, and a gift for the newest members of our Hampshire family!

Orientation Welcome

5-6 p.m. 

In the Robert Crown Center (RCC) Gymnasium

Join your student for the Orientation Welcome and hear from key administrators.

Welcome BBQ

6-7 p.m. 

On the Library Lawn

Join us and your student for dinner.

Dessert Reception for Families

7-8:30 p.m. 

In the Red Barn

After saying goodbye to your student at dinner, Alumni & Family Relations invites you to join us for drinks and dessert at our charming and rustic Red Barn. President Ed Wingenbach, the senior leadership team, and key faculty and staff will join us for the festivities. 

Friday, August 30

9:15-10:15 a.m.

In the Dining Commons

Separation and Transition Workshop

What can you expect during your student’s transition to Hampshire? What transitions are common to all families and what else might occur? No matter what stage you’re in, come chat and laugh with Eliza McArdle, director of health and counseling services, as she helps you prepare for this next phase of your student’s life—and of yours.

Open Houses 

Drop into any of our available open houses across campus.

10:30 a.m.-noon
Locations around campus

Center for Design (C4D) Open House

Lemelson Building

Drop in at the C4D Fabrication Shop to meet Supervisor Glenn Armitage 81F P14 and Mary Kate Cleary 12F and learn more about their amazing offerings, resources, and projects.

 

Library Resources Open House

Harold F. Johnson Library

Drop by the library for a casual opportunity to make a card for your student and meet key student support staff from the Library, SPARC (career services), and IT.

We’ll have craft supplies available so you can make a card or write a send-off letter.

Walking Tours

Supporting Our Diverse Community

Tour leaves from outside the Dining Commons

Join Latoyya Pleasant, director for community advocacy, for a walking tour of our identity centers. You will learn more about our approach to supporting and celebrating diverse student populations across campus, meet key staff, and have a chance to see the Lebrón-Wiggins-Pran Cultural Center, Queer Community Alliance Center, Center for Feminisms, World Lounge, and Spiritual Life Center. 

We ask that guests who do not identify as BIPOC understand the significance and important history that the Cultural Center space holds for the BIPOC community when visiting.

Campus Walking Tour: Outdoor and Athletic Resources

Tour leaves from outside the Dining Commons

With a focus on how we keep students moving and connected to others, Outdoor Programs, Recreation, and Athletics (OPRA) staff will take a group on a tour of  the Multisport Center (indoor track, fitness center, indoor tennis courts) and the outdoor tennis courts. Staff will share examples of how new students can get involved and answer your questions.

Farm Center Tour

Thorpe House, 793 West Street

Join Emily Landeck, Charlotte Senders, and Rose Cherneff to learn more about our beautiful land and crops, and to meet our animals! Please wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for the weather.

Lunch

Noon - 1:30 p.m.

Robert Crown Center

Join us for a casual lunch before heading home.

Goodbyes

1:30 p.m.

Families depart campus. We look forward to seeing you soon!

As members of the Hampshire community, along with your student, you now have access to Hampshire Network. Connect with each other in the Family Chat group, find events in your area, share job and internship postings, and connect with alums and campus resources throughout your student’s time with us. Hampshirenetwork.com

Questions after you leave campus? Contact Alumni & Family Relations
family@hampshire.edu
413.559.6638

Join the Family Chat

Connect with each other and campus after leaving.